Palletforce member White Logistics complete companies first ever apprenticeships

WHITE Logistics has taken on two new members of staff after they completed the company’s first ever apprenticeships.

The firm – a member of Palletforce, the UK’s leading palletised distribution network – took on the apprentices a year ago and have now offered them both full-time positions.

Ben Darby, 19, is now working in the Pershore-based firm’s warehouse while Liam Harris, 18, is based in the traffic office.

Ben, whose duties include driving fork lift trucks and picking and packing orders, said: "I did my A-Levels at sixth form college and then decided I wanted to do something a bit different and learn some new skills."

Liam, whose role involves routing the company vehicles, said: "Before I got the apprenticeship I did a year at college but I didn’t really enjoy being in a classroom, I wanted to have some new experiences and get a job.

"There’s a lot of problem-solving involved in the job and I really enjoy it."

Stephen King, Health, Safety and Training Manager, said: "Ben and Liam did very well during their apprenticeships and it’s a bonus to the company to have them here as full-time staff.

"They were both very enthusiastic at the interview stage and they’ve stayed that way.

"The apprenticeships have really worked for us as a company."

Following the success of the first ever apprenticeships at White Logistics, the firm is looking to instate some new apprentices.

Stephen has also been asked to speak at an event during National Apprentice Week (February 7 – 11) about the benefits of apprenticeships.

"If you take on someone fresh like an apprentice they’re not tainted by previous employment and different ways of working," said Stephen.

"Apprentices can slot quite easily into your way of working, you can train them in the relevant skills and if any employment opportunities arise you already have ideal candidates available."

Stephen will be speaking about White Logistics experience of apprenticeships at an event on February 8 at Volvo Trucks UK headquarters in Warwick.

The event has been organised by Skills for Logistics, who got involved with the firm after they signed up to a skills pledge to offer opportunities and development for staff.